A Visit That Should Have Been Simple
The late afternoon sun streamed through the glass walls of Capital Luxury Motors in Washington, D.C., casting elongated reflections across a showroom gleaming with Bentleys, Porsches, and Ferraris—symbols of power and prestige.
Karoline Leavitt stepped inside, the soft click of her heels against the polished marble floor marking her entrance. Dressed in a crisp white blouse and tailored black trousers, paired with modest low heels, she carried an air of effortless professionalism—understated yet unmistakably commanding. A delicate necklace caught the fading sunlight as she brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, her gaze sweeping the room with quiet determination.
She wasn’t here for attention or to flaunt. She needed a vehicle that could keep pace with the relentless demands of her life—a reliable, high-end car worthy of her schedule.
Her eyes settled on a midnight blue Azure Coupe, a perfect balance of raw power and refined elegance.
Almost instantly, a young salesman appeared, brochures in hand, ready to make the sale. But before he could speak, a taller man in a sharp gray suit intercepted with a smooth smile.
“Welcome to Capital Luxury Motors,” he said, extending a firm hand. “I’m Blake Thompson, sales manager. How can I assist you today?”
Karoline nodded politely, her gaze returning to the Azure.
“That one,” she said simply, “I’d like to take a closer look.”
Blake’s eyes flickered over her practical outfit, the subtle shine of her necklace, and the scuffed corner of her well-used briefcase.
“Azure Coupe?” he repeated, surprise barely concealed.
His words were polite but loaded—the kind of silent judgment that doesn’t need to be spoken.
“It’s one of our premier models,” Blake continued, voice smooth but laced with condescension. “Limited edition. Six figures. Not typically shown just like this.”
Karoline’s voice was steady, unwavering.
“I know what it is. I’m interested.”
For a moment, Blake hesitated. Then, with a slight shrug, he stepped aside, motioning her forward.
As she moved closer, he shadowed her steps, narrating every detail as if she were unfamiliar with luxury cars.
“You know,” he added, lowering his voice, “we do get a lot of casual visitors—people who just want to take selfies with the cars.”
Karoline turned, eyebrow raised.
“I’m not here for selfies,” she said coolly. “I’m here to buy.”
Blake’s smile tightened, brittle.
“Of course.”
The moment Karoline slid behind the wheel, the supple hand-stitched leather and flawless craftsmanship spoke to her. She pictured herself cruising through D.C., no longer at the mercy of unreliable traffic or an old sedan that rattled her nerves before every meeting.
“This feels right,” she murmured.
Blake leaned in, voice dripping with false concern.
“Would you like to see some certified pre-owned options? Something a bit… more practical?”
The unspoken assumption hung heavy between them.
Karoline rose slowly, adjusting her sleeve with calm precision.
“No,” she said firmly. “I want this one.”
Blake’s smile faltered, replaced by a guarded expression. He crossed his arms.
“Miss, I’ll be honest. Vehicles like this are reserved for certain clients—regulars. You understand, I’m sure.”
Karoline met his gaze head-on, her eyes sharp as steel.
“I understand perfectly.”
From her purse, she drew a slim cardholder and extracted a sleek black credit card.
“And I also understand that money spends the same, no matter who’s holding it.”
